Bail for man charged with rampage in Christchurch CYF office

A 48-year-old man charged over a rampage at a Child, Youth and Family office in Christchurch has been released on bail.

Police say Thamir Abdulridha El Mehdi forced his way into the office in Papanui on 7 November, injuring a social worker and himself.

He is charged with threatening to kill, intentional damage, and injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

His next court appearance is on 1 December.

Deputy chief executive of the Ministry of Social Development Marc Warner says, since the ordeal, new alarms have been installed at the office and a national review of security at the ministry's premises is underway.